Documentary name: The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks
Platform: ID (Investigation Discovery)
Also Read: 'The Wrong Life Coach' release date, plot, full cast, and is the Lifetime movie worth watching
Country of origin: USA
Date of Release: January 1, 2024
Genre: True Crime
Who is Natalia Grace?
Natalia Grace -- who has dwarfism -- was born in the Ukraine where she was placed in an orphanage. In 2010 she was adopted by American couple Kristine and Michael Barnett.
Why has Natalia Grace caused such a controversy?
Well for a number of reasons, though most are not in any way her fault. First, the Barnett's changed Natalia's date of birth -- which was originally 2003 -- to 1989, making what should have been an eight-year-old girl, 22 overnight. The Barnett's then set Natalia up in her own apartment Lafayette, Indiana, after which they skedaddled to Canada with their biological children. Struggling to care for herself Natalia was taken in by Antwon and Cynthia Mans and the Barnetts were charged with neglect. After the charges were brought, the Barnetts' claimed that not only was Natalia lying about her age but she was a sociopath, an accusation vehemently denied by the Mans.
So how old is Natalia Grace really?
In the process of investigating the charges of neglect brought against the Barnetts, prosecutors tracked down Natalia's biological mother (proved through DNA testing) Anna Volodymyrivna Gava in the Ukraine. Anna was born in 1979, which would have made her just 10 when she gave birth to Natalia, if Natalia truly was born -- as the Barnetts' claimed -- in 1989. Hospital records from the Ukraine supported Natalia's claim that she was born in 2003. Prosecutors, however, were barred from introducing this evidence.
What happened to Kristine and Michael Barnett?
Michael Barnett was found not guilty of three counts of neglect and conspiracy to commit neglect of a dependent in 2022. In March that same year, charges against Kristine were dropped. Michael and Kristine Barnett are now divorced.
Are there any other shows or movies made on the Natalia Grace case?
It has been reported that Hulu has greenlit an eight-episode series with the working title 'The Untitled Orphan Project' which is said to be inspired by the Natalia Grace case. 'Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo is set to star and executive produce.
Is 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks' worth watching?
It certainly is for two reasons, the first being that it's a very strange case indeed, but the second is that something very strange seems to have gone on in the Bartnett household with Natalia that has never been aired because the case never went to trial. The reasons behind the age change seem very fishy and unfortunately may never be fully explored.
MEAWW Watch ranking
4 out of 5
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